
Abstract
Background: HIV-1 infected individuals are under chronic exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) considered to be instrumental in the progression of AIDS and the development of HIV-1 associated dementia (HAD). Astrocytes support neuronal function and protect them against cytotoxic substances including ROS. The protein HIV-1 Nef, a progression factor in AIDS pathology is abundantly expressed in astrocytes in patients with HAD, and thus may influence its functions. Results: Endogenous expressed HIV-1 Nef leads to increased sensitivity of human astrocytes towards exogenous hydrogen peroxide but not towards TNF-alpha. Cell death of nef-expressing astrocytes exposed to 10 mu M hydrogen peroxide for 30 min occurred within 4 h. Conclusion: HIV-1 Nef may contribute to neuronal dysfunction and the development of HAD by causing death of astrocytes through decreasing their tolerance for hydrogen peroxide.
Item Type: | Journal article |
---|---|
Form of publication: | Publisher's Version |
Faculties: | Medicine |
Subjects: | 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health |
URN: | urn:nbn:de:bvb:19-epub-23401-2 |
ISSN: | 1743-422X |
Language: | English |
Item ID: | 23401 |
Date Deposited: | 05. Mar 2015, 09:39 |
Last Modified: | 04. Nov 2020, 13:04 |